Climbing Technology VIA FERRATA SET Manual page 8

The instruction manual for this device consists of general and specific instructions,
both must be carefully read and understood before use. Attention! This leaflet
shows the specific instruction only.
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS EN 958:2017.
This note contains the necessary information for a correct use of the following
product/s: via ferrata set.
1) FIELD OF APPLICATION.
EN 958:2017 - Mountaineering equipment - Energy absorbing systems for use
in klettersteig (via ferrata) climbing. This product is a personal protective equip-
ment (P.P.E.) against falls from a height; it is compliant with the Regulation (EU)
2016/425. Attention! For this product a periodic thorough inspection is compul-
sory (general instructions / paragraph 8). Attention! Before using the equipment,
read thoroughly, as well, the instructions for use that are specific to the connectors
provided with the equipment.
1.1 - Warnings. These devices are equipped with a textile progressive-tearing
energy absorber. It has the purpose of gradually absorbing the impact force of a
fall that may occur along the route, reducing it to values that are tolerated by the
human body. Attention! Despite the correct functioning of the via ferrata set, a
fall while using it may expose the user to the risk of serious injuries. Attention! As
a result of a fall which has involved the energy absorber, the red safety label will
be torn apart (Fig. 4.3); the user must stop using the product and must replace it
immediately. Attention! During a fall the energy absorber will extend and it will
no longer be able to safely arrest a second fall (Fig. 10). Attention! Do not insert
foreign object inside the protective pouch.
2) NOTIFIED BODIES.
Refer to the legend in the general instructions (paragraph 9 / table D): M1; N1.
3) NOMENCLATURE (Fig. 3).
1) Harness connection loop. 2) Protective pouch. 3) Zip fastener. 4) Red safety
label. 5) Rest loop. 6) Elastic arm. 7) Terminal connector. 8) Sling fastener. 9)
Energy absorber. 10) Marking label. 11) Elastic band. 12) Label indicating the
"Rest Loop". 13) Label indicating that the elastic band shall not be cut or removed.
14) Integrated swivel.
3.1 - Main materials. Refer to the legend in the general instructions (paragraph
2.4): 1 (integrated swivel); 13 (energy absorber); 7-10 (elasticated lanyards
2K533HP); 13 (elasticated lanyards 2K363HQ / 2K373HQ / 2K373HR); 7
(stitching).
4) MARKING.
Numbers/letters without caption: refer to the legend in the general instructions
(paragraph 5).
4.1 - General (Fig. 2). Indications: 1; 2; 4; 6; 7; 8; 11; 12; 13; 16; 30) Illustra-
tion showing the correct installation; 31) Illustration showing the correct position of
the energy absorber inside the pouch.
4.2 - Traceability (Fig. 2). Indications: T2; T3; T8; T9.
5) COMPATIBILITY.
This product can only be used on via ferratas built in compliance with EN 16869.
This product can only be used in combination with EN 12277 harnesses, EN
12275 Type K terminal connectors and EN 12492 helmets. Attention! Never
modify the energy absorber system e.g.: never make any knot in the arms (strength
decreasing - Fig. 12.3).
6) CHECKS.
Further to the checks listed below, comply with what indicated in the general
instructions (paragraph 3).
6.1 - Inspection of the energy absorber. To carry out the inspection, it is necessary
to open the protective pouch and inspect its content. Attention! Be mindful of the
way the energy absorber is positioned inside the pouch, in order to re-arrange
it in its original position inside the pouch after the inspection. Attention! While
repacking the energy absorber inside the pouch, be careful not to create knots on
the webbing (Fig. 3.3). Before each use make sure that: the protective pouch is
intact (e.g. no holes, cuts or excessive wear) and the zip fastener works properly;
the safety label and the elasticated band are intact; there are no tears in the stitch-
ing of the energy absorber due to having arrested a fall or from mishandling of the
system. During each use: make sure that the zip fastener is closed.
6.2 - Inspection of the elastic arms. Extend the elastic arms in order to inspect,
along their full length, the textile parts (general instructions / paragraph 3). Thor-
oughly inspect the end loops as well, as they are subject to greater wear. During
each use: avoid the elastic arms contacting abrasive surfaces or sharp edges.
6.3 - Inspection of the integrated swivel (if present). Before each use make sure
that: all swivelling parts spin smoothly without jamming.
6.4 - Inspection of connectors. In addition to the checks described below, do
comply with all directions provided in the instructions specific to the connectors.
During each use: make sure that all connectors in use have been properly closed
and are not subject to unapproved loads (e.g. lateral load, load on sharp edges,
etc.) that might considerably reduce their breaking load (Fig. 1).
7) ISTRUCTIONS FOR USE.
Climbing Technology by Aludesign S.p.A. via Torchio 22
24034 Cisano B.sco BG ITALY
ENGLISH
www.climbingtechnology.com
The device is suitable for use by people whose weight is between 40 kg and 120
kg. The user must weigh at least 40 kg, without equipment and must not exceed
120 kg with equipment. If the user's weight is not within the indicated range,
the via ferrata set might not absorb the energy of a fall correctly, with serious
or life-threatening consequences. If the user's weight is not within the indicated
range, simultaneous belaying with a rope from above is mandatory (Fig. 11).
Attention! Always ensure that the user's head is not caught between the elastic
arms, risk of strangulation. Attention! It is recommended that for children and
non-expert people an additional belay with rope from above is used and that the
difficulty of the route is tailored to their ability. Attention! Do not use the via ferrata
set as an anchor point for connection or for the hauling of another person from
above (Fig. 12.4).
7.1 - Installation. Wear the harness (seat harness, seat harness with chest harness
or full body harness). Secure the via ferrata set to the belay loop of the harness
using the connection loop with a girth hitch (Fig. 5).
7.2 - Progression. Always keep two connectors attached to the safety cable. In
the proximity of an anchor point, move only one connector at a time onto the
new section of cable (Fig. 7). Attention! Never disconnect both connectors at
the same time and never progress with one only connector attached to the safety
cable. Attention! During the use, do not reconnect one of the two elastic arms to
the harness as this would prevent the energy absorber from activating in the event
of a fall (Fig. 12.1-12.2).
7.3 - Use of the rest loop (Fig. 8). The device is equipped with a webbing loop
(identified by the label "Rest Loop"), which is the only point allowed for the direct
connection to an anchor (e.g. rung, peg or cable of via ferrata), for the users to
secure themselves and rest in the case of a difficult progression. Attention! Do not
use the rest loop to proceed along the via ferrata. Attention! For the connection
only use an EN 12275 carabiner: do not use webbing, lanyards or quickdraws.
Attention! In order to use the rest loop it is necessary that both arms of the via
ferrata set are properly connected to the via ferrata cable.
7.4 - Professional/commercial use. These instructions for use must be provided to
any user of the via ferrata set, including the temporary ones (e.g. in case of hire,
courses, etc.). Attention! For what concerns the lifespan of the equipment, please
refer to the general instructions. Attention! The device must be inspected before
and after every professional/commercial use.
Member of
IST14-SEFERCT_rev.0 03-23
8/30